13 September 2016

2016 College Football Predictions: Week 3

(AP)

Whether it was that bonkers finish that shouldn't have been in Central Michigan's win at Oklahoma State, both Clemson and Georgia surviving serious upset bids and a classic finish in Fort Worth (above), Week 2 brought it in the world of college football. But what about Week 3? Here are my picks.Thursday, September 15th
6 Houston vs. Cincinnati - ESPN, 7:30
Pick: Houston

2 Florida State vs. 10 Louisville - ABC, 12:00
I love Lamar Jackson and he was spectacular in the Loud House last week, and this time he'll get to be at home. He is good enough to lead the Cardinals to an upset but I'm not so sure the rest of the team is.
Pick: Florida State

Temple vs. Penn State - BTN, 12:00
The Owls are strong enough defensively to make this a game so while the Nittany Lions should win, if they come out like they did against Pittsburgh, they won't.
Pick: Penn State

South Carolina State vs. 5 Clemson - ACC Network (FSN), 12:00
Will Clemson struggle for a third week in a row? I just can't see it here.
Pick: Clemson

Boston College vs. Virginia Tech - ESPNU, 3:30
The Hokies were looking good in Bristol before they got super sloppy with the football. I do think the talent is there and back at Lane Stadium, they'll get the win.
Pick: Virginia Tech

FIU vs. UMass - American Sports Network, 3:30
Pick: UMass

Colorado vs. 4 Michigan - BTN, 3:30
Pick: Michigan

22 Oregon vs. Nebraska - ABC, 3:30
Mike Riley could use a statement win with the Huskers and I think they'll get it here. The Ducks just don't look as strong as they have been in recent years on the offensive side of the ball.
Pick: Nebraska

1 Alabama vs. 19 Ole Miss - CBS, 3:30
Ah yes, a good opportunity for an upset of the top-ranked team. The Rebels will need another sterling performance from QB Chad Kelly this Saturday afternoon but I think this time, the Tide will be too hungry to not get revenge.
Pick: Alabama

Pittsburgh vs. Oklahoma State - ESPN, 3:30
They did come close to blowing a big lead at home to Penn State but I like what I have seen from Pitt. It is never easy to go into Stillwater and get a win but I'm not quite sure how the Cowboys will respond from that mess of a game against Central Michigan.
Pick: Pittsburgh

Monmouth vs. Kent State - ESPN3, 3:30
Pick: Kent State

Western Kentucky vs. Miami (OH) - BCSN, 3:30
Pick: Western Kentucky

South Florida vs. Syracuse - ESPN3, 3:30
Pick: South Florida

New Mexico State vs. Kentucky - SEC Network, 4:00
Pick: Kentucky

East Carolina vs. South Carolina - SEC Network, 4:00
Even on the road in an SEC den, I do think the Pirates are the better team.
Pick: East Carolina

3 Ohio State vs. 14 Oklahoma - Fox, 7:30
What a fun one this will be under the lights in Norman. There will be offense and more offense here but I think after the disappointment in Houston in the opener, the Sooners will be hungrier for the win and they will get said win.
Pick: Oklahoma

12 Michigan State vs. 18 Notre Dame - NBC, 7:30
Who doesn't love a good trophy game? This time it's for the Megaphone Trophy. I think the Spartans are better than they looked against Furman but the superior team is the home team in this showdown.
Pick: Notre Dame

UCLA vs. BYU - ESPN2, 10:15
The Bruins have lost to Texas A&M in College Station and sleepwalked through much of a contest against UNLV in their first two games. Against a sneaky BYU club, I don't have the highest of expectations.
Pick: BYU

Texas vs. California - ESPN, 10:30
Considering the Golden Bears play basically no defense, they'll fall at home to the two-pronged quarterback attack of the Longhorns.
Pick: Texas

Utah vs. San Jose State - CBS Sports Network, 10:30
The Utes eked out a win in Salt Lake City against hated BYU while the Aztecs looked strong at home against Cal. I like what San Diego State brings to the table and I feel an upset.
Pick: San Jose State